Can’t Receive Text Messages After Switch From iPhone to Android

There is a common problem which occurs for Android users who have recently switched from an iPhone where they can’t receive text messages from iPhone users. We have some possible solutions for you to try if you are experiencing this problem.

Text Messaging works differently for the iPhone. Everything is routed through the iMessage service. The most common way to solve an issue with receiving texts after switching from an iPhone is to disable iMessage. You will have to do so to release your phone number from the iMessage service. Just perform these steps:

Power off your Android or new smartphone.

Power the iPhone off and insert the SIM card you used with the device before.

Power on the iPhone.

Ensure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Open “Settings” > “Messages“.

Slide “iMessage” to “Off“.

Leave the iPhone powered on for about an hour. iMessage should eventually deactivate.

Power on your Android device.

If you cannot perform this process, or you are still experiencing this problem, try the following steps to deactivate iMessage online:

Note: These steps will remove access to the appstore. You can always reactivate the device to gain access again if you wish.

iMessage should now be deactivated. Check to see if you can receive text messages from an iPhone user.

If things still aren’t working for you, or you cannot perform the above steps, contact Apple Support. They can usually send a code to your new phone and deactivate iMessage on their end. It usually takes a period of 24 hours for the deactivation to complete.

This process has fixed this issue on multiple occasions. On one occasion, we contacted Apple Support via email. The Support department said that the person sending the text message may need to change how they are sending text messages. They will need to use an account with that shows “name”(Mobile Phone) instead of “name”(iPhone). These instructions didn’t make sense to us, but I figured I would include that information in case it helps anybody.

FAQ

I have an iPad registered to the same phone number I am using with my Android. What do I do?

You will have to deactivate iMessage on the iPad and any other Apple devices that are linked to the phone number you are using if you wish to receive text messages on the Android.

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My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.